-parents highlight its positive impact on families, Guyana’s legacy

GUYANESE from all walks of life have commended President Dr Irfaan Ali for his progressive vision and distinguished approach towards empowering the nation’s educational landscape while alleviating the financial burdens on parents and guardians.

In discussing President Ali’s recent initiative to fully cover the expenses for up to eight Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects, Susan Ibrahim, a mother of two, stated that she believes that every parent desires for their child/children to excel at the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) exam and in life.

Recognising that Guyana is flourishing in every sector in comparison to regional and international counterparts, Ibrahim stated that the president’s initiative is not only beneficial to parents and CXC students, but it also serves as a foundational legacy for all Guyanese to take pride in.

“It is inevitable; we will pass on at some point in life, but we need to leave a legacy of strong, intelligent people that will do good in this country and in this world, and with initiatives such as these, we can get there,” Ibrahim explained.

The mother of two remarked that although she dedicates herself tirelessly to securing the best education for her daughter, financing her eldest daughter’s pursuit of 13 subjects proved to be quite an enormous task.

Nevertheless, she stated that the president’s commitment has instilled a sense of relief in her, as it will alleviate one concern regarding the impending examinations her second daughter will write in a few years’ time.

“When I think of this initiative, I do not think of my benefits alone, but I think of the rural areas, the less fortunate, and the impact that this initiative will have on them. This is hope; this is independence; this is an opportunity for Guyanese to receive quality education from primary to tertiary levels. What more can we ask for?”

Furthermore, Ibrahim reminded all Guyanese that President Ali took office at a time when the country required a “forward-thinking” president—one who is unconcerned about race and colour but recognises the value of strong leadership, whether people support him or not.

Meanwhile, Paul Ignatius, a father of three, explains that the move by President Ali has brought tears to his eyes knowing that he does not have to worry over their CXC examination fees.

According to him, while he is a self-defence instructor and an A/C technician, he also works as a taxi driver to ensure that he provides for his children academically and makes the basic needs available.

Ignatius said, “I know we can’t get everything we need at once, but every time this president speaks, it’s about progress and plans to help Guyanese. I was never interested in politics, but I want to personally say thank you to President Ali and his government for the tremendous work that they are doing and for this move to remove the CXC fees.

“You don’t have to ask about development; it is in your faces every day. The country is looking good, the children are getting benefits, the adults are getting assistance, and our seniors are taken care of too. Thank you, Mr. President. Because of your thoughtfulness, parents like me are sleeping better at nights knowing that our children are in good hands.”

Additionally, Hardai (name only given), the guardian of her two grandchildren, explained that she relies on her pension to provide for their care and education.

She stated that President Ali’s announcement has not only moved her to tears but has also instilled optimism that the children will receive adequate support to pursue their academic endeavours.

“It is a blessing to know that we have a president who thinks about the young and the old. I use my pension to make sure that my grandchildren go to school every day. They will go write their Grade Six exams this year, but I feel so happy to know that I don’t have to worry about their CXC money when their turn comes to write that exam.

“I want to also thank the president and the government for the cash grant, the schoolbooks, and the lunch that these children are getting. It makes it easier on parents and grandparents like me,” an emotional Hardai said.